Undercover testing finds TSA missed 95 percent of fake bombs, weapons

[Suzanimal]

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted 70 undercover tests to determine if the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could detect fake bombs and other weapons at airport checkpoints. A whopping 67 of those tests failed.

Though the DHS and TSA continue to maintain that American airport security is keeping us safe, this is hardly the first time TSA screeners have demonstrated similar incompetence. The agency has a long history of failing tests and missing loaded guns, knives, and explosives.

Perhaps most frustrating is that the TSA appears to be getting worse: This latest test had a 95 percent failure rate, while similar tests in 2007 "only" failed 60 to 75 percent of the time. But still, if you don't put your shampoo in a plastic baggie, the terrorists will win.

http://theweek.com/speedreads/558121/undercover-testing-finds-tsa-missed-95-percent-fake-bombs-weapons

[phill4paul]

But if stopping 5% of fake bombs and weapons means saving the life of even one child then it is all worth it!

[ghengis86]

Uh, they were fake, so they really did awesome and got it correct 95% of the time! If they were real, I bet the TSA would get a cool 110%.

[The Northbreather]

Mandatory strip searches for all!!!

[Occam's Banana]

Poor TSA agents! They must feel awful about this.

Oh, well. You can't win 'em all. Look on the bright side ...

http://i.imgur.com/7FIhpd3.png

[Ronin Truth]

So just another totally useless federal government agency. Is anyone really surprised. We're paying how much a year for that worthless troublesome time wasting POS?

[morfeeis]

So just another totally useless federal government agency. Is anyone really surprised. We're paying how much a year for that worthless troublesome time wasting POS?

Don't forget the price per ticket too. stuff like this urks me more than others as people are really being hurt by the TSA. people are being molested daily, stolen from, bullied, and those scum bags are worthless....

enter a 1500 word rant here that would have a host of government agencies at my door.

[Suzanimal]

They are too busy enjoying themselves to worry about bombs.


Poor TSA agents! They must feel awful about this.

Oh, well. You can't win 'em all. Look on the bright side ...

http://i.imgur.com/7FIhpd3.png

[Anti Federalist]

Mandatory strip searches for all!!!

Yup, that's what's next.

[William Tell]

Look on the bright side, maybe they don't miss the real ones?

[Anti Federalist]

Yup, knew this was coming.

Government fails and we the people suffer.

AmeriKa.



U.S. tightens airport security after screeners fail undercover tests

WASHINGTON, June 1

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/01/usa-security-airports-idUSL1N0YN2QF20150601

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said on Monday he had ordered improved security at U.S. airports after media reports that checkpoint screeners failed to detect mock explosives and weapons in 95 percent of tests carried out by undercover agents.

Airport screeners, who are employees of the Transportation Security Administration, did not detect banned weapons in 67 of 70 tests at dozens of airports, ABC News said, citing officials briefed on a report by Homeland Security's inspector general.

Johnson, whose department oversees the TSA, was briefed last week on the trials, which were completed recently, ABC News said.

In one test, the network said an undercover agent was stopped when he set off an alarm at a checkpoint but that TSA screeners then failed to find a fake explosive device taped to his back when they patted him down.

Johnson issued a statement on Monday saying the results of the security checks were classified but that he had directed the TSA to revise screening procedures "to address specific vulnerabilities identified" in the undercover operation. He also ordered training for all TSA officers and supervisors across the country and testing of airports' screening equipment.

Johnson said there would be more random covert testing at checkpoints.

"The numbers in these reports never look good out of context but they are a critical element in the continual evolution of our aviation security," Johnson said. "We take these findings very seriously in our continued effort to test, measure and enhance our capabilities and techniques as threats evolve."

[tod evans]

Mandatory strip searches for all!!!

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/57/cb/60/57cb60b0d78e25d3b179825dafc33639.jpg

[The Northbreather]

Who wants to bet they try to make airlines 100% govt run in the next decade.

[Occam's Banana]

You know, if one were a cynic, one might almost begin to suspect that the things Our Government Officials say are the intellectual equivalent of farting noises ...


Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said on Monday he had ordered improved security at U.S. airports after media reports that checkpoint screeners failed to detect mock explosives and weapons in 95 percent of tests carried out by undercover agents.

"I have ordered improved security" = "Pull my finger ..."


"The numbers in these reports never look good out of context but they are a critical element in the continual evolution of our aviation security," Johnson said. "We take these findings very seriously in our continued effort to test, measure and enhance our capabilities and techniques as threats evolve."

"Out of context?" Pray tell, Jeh - in what "context" would a 95% failure rate "look good" .. ?

OK! Wait for it, wait for it ..... *faaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt*

Whew! You really ripped a good one there, Jeh!

[wizardwatson]

In the news:

TSA is missing most of the stuff. Hmmmmm....
ISIS has operatives in the U.S. already. Hmmmmmm....
Lone Wolf terrorists biggest threat according to DHS. Hmmmmm.....
CIA Director says terrorists are watching what happens to PATRIOT ACT. Hmmmm.....
Rand Paul shuts down terrorist monitoring servers because of his kooky ideas he got from his dad. Hmmmmm.....

If something bad happens this month in the U.S., the only country as of 12am this morning in the world where the U.S.A. anti-terror intelligence apparatus "officially" isn't operating, where do the bread crumbs lead?

Anyone?

[phill4paul]

In the news:

TSA is missing most of the stuff. Hmmmmm....
ISIS has operatives in the U.S. already. Hmmmmmm....
Lone Wolf terrorists biggest threat according to DHS. Hmmmmm.....
CIA Director says terrorists are watching what happens to PATRIOT ACT. Hmmmm.....
Rand Paul shuts down terrorist monitoring servers because of his kooky ideas he got from his dad. Hmmmmm.....

If something bad happens this month in the U.S., the only country as of 12am this morning in the world where the U.S.A. anti-terror intelligence apparatus "officially" isn't operating, where do the bread crumbs lead?

Anyone?

Obama's drone policy?

[Mach]

Who wants to bet they try to make airlines 100% govt run in the next decade.

Seriously, who would fly in those planes?

Talk about going downhill.

[PRB]

but i bet they're good at spotting fake boobs.

[anaconda]

The solution seems obvious: we must increase the budgets for the TSA and DHS, and expand their powers. Until they become competent.

[anaconda]

Seriously, who would fly in those planes?

Talk about going downhill.

Invest in parachute companies now.

[Suzanimal]

In one test, the network said an undercover agent was stopped when he set off an alarm at a checkpoint but that TSA screeners then failed to find a fake explosive device taped to his back when they patted him down.


If he had it taped to his balls, they would've found it.

[Suzanimal]

Wow...


Acting TSA head reassigned after watchdog report reveals airport security failings

The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration was reassigned late Monday after an inspector general's report revealed that undercover agents were able to sneak fake explosives and banned weapons through checkpoints as part of an investigation that revealed a massive, system-wide security failure at America's airports.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced that TSA Acting Administrator Melvin Carraway had been sent to work in the department's Office of State and Local Law Enforcement. Acting Deputy Director Mark Hatfield would take over the TSA until a new acting administrator was appointed. Earlier this year, President Barack Obama nominated Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger to be the TSA's permanent administrator.

...

In one case, an undercover agent with a fake bomb strapped to his back set off a magnetometer -- but the screener still failed to find it.

...

The tests were designed to push the boundaries of the screening system -- set up after 9/11 -- to prevent weapons from getting onto planes. These tests are covert and designed to be as challenging as possible.

...

http://snip.ly/6OLO#http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/05/14/senate-panel-probes-obamacare-aid-confusion-as-customers-learn-owe-irs/

[tod evans]

The solution seems obvious: we must increase the budgets for the TSA and DHS, and expand their powers. Until they become competent.

This is why "Teh Newz" carried the story.....

[enhanced_deficit]

The solution seems obvious: we must increase the budgets for the TSA and DHS, and expand their powers. Until they become competent.

Yep it is simple, as opposed to more complex solution of ending financing of oppression/occupation/killing of revenge-driven peoples of mideast.